Catholic Church Establishes New Listening Process for Adult Victims of Sexual Violence
Beginning January 2026, dioceses in France will implement a structured process to support adult survivors of sexual violence while considering financial reparations on a case-by-case basis.
On April 4, 2025, the Catholic Church announced the establishment of a new "listening and support process" aimed at adult survivors of sexual violence.
This initiative will be implemented at the diocesan level starting in January 2026. Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, the outgoing president of the French Bishops' Conference (CEF), detailed the plan during a press conference, emphasizing the church's commitment to guiding victims toward justice, whether through judicial or canonical means.
Under this process, listening cells will be created within each diocese to receive reports from individuals who were victimized as adults.
De Moulins-Beaufort explained that in instances where legal action is not possible—due to the death of the perpetrator or the expiration of the statutory limitations—a mediation process will be available, leveraging the expertise of justice mediators.
Victims may opt for a meeting with the accused or with their respective diocese as part of this mediation.
While financial reparations have been mentioned, they will be considered individually, based on diocesan discretion.
De Moulins-Beaufort noted the necessity of examining the tax implications associated with diocesan statuses regarding potential financial reparations.
The document shared with journalists did not include specific reference to financial aspects of reparations.
Additionally, the existing structures created in 2021 for minor victims, such as Inirr and CRR, offer national forums that can provide reparations of up to €60,000.
Moulins-Beaufort reiterated the church's stance that perpetrators should take responsibility for their actions, reinforcing the importance of accountability rather than placing the burden on the institutional church.
His closing address highlighted CEF's ongoing commitment to addressing sexual violence, marked by two days of discussions prior to the plenary assembly in Lourdes, which featured testimonies from victims linked to a significant case at the Notre-Dame de Bétharram educational institution, emphasized for its historical context of abuse.
In tandem with these developments, the CEF has renewed its leadership structure, appointing Matthieu Rougé, bishop of Nanterre, as the president of the Council for Catholic Education, and Guillaume Prévost as the new General Secretary for Catholic Education.
These leadership changes take place against the backdrop of the Catholic education sector facing intensified scrutiny due to revelations of sexual and physical violence at Notre-Dame de Bétharram.
Additionally, the CEF is encouraging individuals who have suffered physical or sexual abuse in educational settings to report incidents to the authorities and contact France Victimes or the listening cells in their dioceses, as articulated in a recent communication intended for display in parishes.
This initiative will be implemented at the diocesan level starting in January 2026. Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, the outgoing president of the French Bishops' Conference (CEF), detailed the plan during a press conference, emphasizing the church's commitment to guiding victims toward justice, whether through judicial or canonical means.
Under this process, listening cells will be created within each diocese to receive reports from individuals who were victimized as adults.
De Moulins-Beaufort explained that in instances where legal action is not possible—due to the death of the perpetrator or the expiration of the statutory limitations—a mediation process will be available, leveraging the expertise of justice mediators.
Victims may opt for a meeting with the accused or with their respective diocese as part of this mediation.
While financial reparations have been mentioned, they will be considered individually, based on diocesan discretion.
De Moulins-Beaufort noted the necessity of examining the tax implications associated with diocesan statuses regarding potential financial reparations.
The document shared with journalists did not include specific reference to financial aspects of reparations.
Additionally, the existing structures created in 2021 for minor victims, such as Inirr and CRR, offer national forums that can provide reparations of up to €60,000.
Moulins-Beaufort reiterated the church's stance that perpetrators should take responsibility for their actions, reinforcing the importance of accountability rather than placing the burden on the institutional church.
His closing address highlighted CEF's ongoing commitment to addressing sexual violence, marked by two days of discussions prior to the plenary assembly in Lourdes, which featured testimonies from victims linked to a significant case at the Notre-Dame de Bétharram educational institution, emphasized for its historical context of abuse.
In tandem with these developments, the CEF has renewed its leadership structure, appointing Matthieu Rougé, bishop of Nanterre, as the president of the Council for Catholic Education, and Guillaume Prévost as the new General Secretary for Catholic Education.
These leadership changes take place against the backdrop of the Catholic education sector facing intensified scrutiny due to revelations of sexual and physical violence at Notre-Dame de Bétharram.
Additionally, the CEF is encouraging individuals who have suffered physical or sexual abuse in educational settings to report incidents to the authorities and contact France Victimes or the listening cells in their dioceses, as articulated in a recent communication intended for display in parishes.
